We are knee deep into summer and it is providing all of the feels. The hot sun glistening on the water. The grill being fired up and the aroma of burgers sizzling on it. Shouts and laughter echoing from children playing in the lake. A good book next to a lawn chair. A jar of sun tea sweltering in the heat as it seeps. A sticky ice cream cone melting on your fingers. The whirl of the lawnmower outside, leaving the scent of fresh cut grass. The gentle hum of bees moving about. And a quiet golden sunset lingering at the end of the day. These are the sights, sounds and smells that feel like summer.
Summer is a time when life slows down, inviting moments of introspection and simple joy. The slow relaxed days remind us to savor the warmth, laughter, and fleeting beauty that it provides. I have been doing just that, as I hope you have too. So, can we please stop the ads for back-to-school supplies, fall clothes and Halloween decorations? I love fall, but right now I just want to slow down and soak up summer while it is here.
Which camp are you in?
Along with all of the wonderful summer vibes, we also have to deal with increased traffic in our little resort city, ongoing backups due to road construction, and the smoke from late summer wildfires. Our neighboring city across the state line has had devastating wildfires, and my heart goes out to all of the displaced families that lost everything. While each season brings its own beauty and wonder, it also brings its own set of drawbacks. So which camp are you in? Are you tired of the heat and ready for the next season or still savoring the end of summer vibes?
Still savoring summer. Let’s not rush the season away. P.S. I always thought the smell of fresh cut grass or wood should be bottled! Now I will go out to see if there are any zucchinis on the vine as well as pick some peas. Enjoy your summer.
Hi Mona!
Fresh cut wood is a delightful smell that will always remind me of my dad. He owned a wood mill for years. His truck always had sawdust lingering in it and he would come home smelling like fresh cut wood. Enjoy the bounty from your garden. Reminds me that I need to make some zoodles for a spaghetti dinner while the zucchini is still in season.
Sorry, I must confess that I’m not a true “summer person”. It’s okay—but definitely not my favorite season and I’m already happily sensing the changing sunlight angles and allowing myself to look forward to autumn. We live in New England and I love having four very definite seasons, each lasting just about as long as the calendar says.
Hi Don!
I don’t blame you. I visited your neck of the woods one fall, and it was absolutely gorgeous. Totally agree about the change of seasons. We lived in Portland, Oregon for a few years and one of the things I missed most, besides family, was the distinct change of seasons. We are definitely getting the late summer feels over here, as the shadows grow longer and the days a little shorter.
Gotta be honest, since I live in Georgia, summer is something to be tolerated more than enjoyed. 😉 That said, the other 3 seasons are absolutely marvelous, and I’m already anticipating those crisp morning hikes in the mountains in another month or so. One thing I’ve learned, wherever you live there seems to be one season where it’s more comfortable indoors. In GA, that’s summer. Most places, it’s winter…
Hi Fritz!
That is so true. There always seems to be one season that we want to escape from. I don’t do well with humidity, so that would be a tough one for me as well. Fall seems to be a consistent favorite season in most places.
I love sunshine, blue skies, and warm days hence my move to Florida. I admit that the humidity can be overwhelming at times but my skin and hair love it. I don’t miss the wildfires and all the devastation that they bring and I worry about my friends and family who are still in the Spokane and CDA area. There have been many times I have wished I could share the Florida rain with the Northwest. I love reading your blog. And if you get tired if winter come visit me in Florida.
Hi Erlene!
I love that you took the jump and retired in Florida – it is such a beautiful state. We seriously considered getting a place to snowbird there but ultimately decided it was too far from family. Besides, the humidity makes my hair go limp.😊 I hope you are enjoying your new retirement and yes, please send rain.
What a delicious post – the food, the fun. It reminded me of my teen years learning to water ski on the Willamette River, eating fresh-caught salmon cooked in an underground smoker by my husband’s fisherman-uncle. Good times to be treasured.
Hi Marsha –
What wonderful summer memories! I remember learning to waterski too but never got very good at it. It would definitely be more of a challenge on a river.
I agree we need to savor each day, making, taking in and enjoying all the possible delights and hidden treasures that come with it.
Hi Janie!
We know this and yet I have to keep reminding myself to appreciate every small pleasure.